Marines to run 100 miles in 24 hours for brain injury research

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SEATTLE — In March 2007, Ronnie Grigsby was nearly killed while part of a convoy hit by enemy fire. The blast threw him more than 40 feet and he suffered multiple injuries, including a broken neck and a traumatic brain injury.

“They had to defibrillate me on the highway. When I woke up seven weeks later ,my brain was going 400 miles per hour and 45 years of my life were erased,” said Grigsby.

The brain injury left him unable to speak, write or walk — skills he has had to learn all over again.

“He is an example of the 265,000 men and women like him who in the defense of their nation and in doing what they were told to do have come back to live a life with traumatic brain injury,” Gen. Peter Chiarelli, former vice chief of staff of the Army, said.

Chiarelli is now head of “One Mind for Research,” a Seattle-based lab focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of brain injured vets.

“It’s absolutely essential not only because of suicide, it’s also important because researchers are showing a link between traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and things like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s,” Chiarelli said.

On Aug. 10, a group of Marines will set out on a 24-hour, 100-mile run to raise money for One Mind. Grigsby said he will be at CenturyLink Field cheering on the Marines as they cross the finish line.

“We are trying to ensure we can find better diagnostics to take care of great Americans and patriots like this, as well as all Americans who suffer head trauma,” said Chiarelli.

Folks can cheer on the Marines as they run, as well as make a to the brain research group. Click here to go to the website and get more information.